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The aim of this research was to examine the effect of UV-C on resistance of lettuce to Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia minor. Analysis of the lesion surfaces showed that plants exposed to UV-C were less susceptible to the two pathogens, especially on the fourth day after inoculation. Chlorophyll, carotenoid contents and malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide were assayed after 1 day and 4 days. Lettuces treated with UV-C and inoculated showed an increase in chlorophyll and carotenoid content, especially 24 h after inoculation, and low values of the two indicators of oxidative stress as compared with lettuces which were inoculated but did not receive UV-C treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]